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Are You Afraid to Take Risks?

Do you prefer to take risks, or to avoid risks? The answer to this question is determined by your Perceiving function and not, as one would expect, by your Judging function.

To the extent that judgment is involved - because the use of the judging functions may be relatively weak or strong - there will be consequences taken into consideration before taking a risk. But the risk itself first involves Perception.

Si and Ni are risk-avoiders (or risk-aversives), because the rational judging function, which is extroverted, automatically comes into play and controls all ideas that lead to possible loss. Se and Ne, on the other hand, are risk-takers. Irrational perceiving, when dominant, brings a great degree of spontaneity, and perhaps an aura of danger, to the personality. In practice, such people are thought to lack judgment. But rational judging can seem too controlling because it sets cogent and judicious limits on spontaneity. They are considered "party-poopers" by the Irrational types because they use too much judgment. At best, you will see a "controlled spontaneity" from the more advanced Si or Ni dominants. At worst, you will see something resembling a robot completely lacking in creativity.

"You're only given one little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it."
Robin Williams (Ne-dominant)

"In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable."
Dwight D. Eisenhower (Si-dominant)

I'm inclined to agree that J/P is the biggest MBTI-related factor when it comes to risk-aversion, but I think E/I also makes a contribution, with IJs being the most cautious risk-avoiders and EPs the most impulsive adventurers.

I don't see myself as a conscious risk-taker - when I am speculating about various approaches to a given situation, I'm generally conservative. While I may create elaborate mental plans, I'm likely to realise their stupidity and move on to something more productive. However, I can put myself at risk in various situations due to my volatility and desire to share my thoughts and emotions with others - however controversial they may be.

I take risks but not all kinds. It has to feel worth it to me. I'm very averse to risky behavior or situations when I'm not really into what I'm doing. For example, fast cars, bungee jumping and the like? No. Not worth it to me. But I do leap head first into adventures with unknown results because what if something wonderful happens? And if not, I'll either learn from it, or at least have a novel experience.

You hem me in -- behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

I take risks but not all kinds. It has to feel worth it to me. I'm very averse to risky behavior or situations when I'm not really into what I'm doing. For example, fast cars, bungee jumping and the like? No. Not worth it to me. But I do leap head first into adventures with unknown results because what if something wonderful happens? And if not, I'll either learn from it, or at least have a novel experience.

This. However the things you said as too risky are things I'd freely do, and the risks you do I avoid for being too unpredictable. I need to know what the endgame should be. Physical risks bother me much less as they can be judged more cleanly.

It depends on the risk. In some ways I am an extraordinary risk-taking person. In other ways, I'm really not. Actually this question made me think about it, and before I thought about it I'd consider myself risk-averse. But that is really more my persona than how I really am. Sometimes I'll see a risk in things that no one else would even think twice about. And in things that most people would consider crazy, I'll do without much thought.

I've never truly understood the concept of avoiding risks, have been J-walking since I was 2 1/2. Drank Alcohol, and dated since I was 7. I have yet to do something serious such as starting a riot or go skydiving :/